[Mike in Arkansas]

I would like to change out the remaining knob and tube wiring in my two story four square. Some has already been modernized to some extent, mostly downstairs. Rather than run multiple circuits from the downstairs breaker box it makes sense to me to install a new sub panel upstairs and run a single large conductor to it. Reading here the multiple questions about sub panels makes me assume there isn't a problem with doing that as long as the sub panel is in an accessible location. No appliances upstairs just 4 bedrooms and a gas fired furnace to be installed in the attic soon, so I'm thinking a smallish size? Would it be better to just leave the one main panel? I would need to take all the new conductors from the first floor, down into the basement then up an existing opening to the attic.

 

[NolaTigaBait]

sounds good either way... if you run a sub upstairs you can always add to alot easier...thats an advantage...get a 20 space panel main lug panel from home depot(yes, they make smaller ones, but if you're going to do all of this work might as well get at least a 20 space)...run you a piece of 6-3 w a ground copper romex and fuse it with a 60 amp breaker...make sure you seperate the neutals from the ground...

 

[220/221]

I wouldn't install a sub for three circuits (2 bedrooms and one furnace).

Just run the circuits to the main panel.

 

[Mike in Arkansas]

Two full bathrooms upstairs also in addition to the 4 bedrooms. Didn't think there would be anything wrong with it. Might go either way. Unfortunately, now the wiring throughout the house is a mix of old and new(relatively speaking) with a lot of things added on. For example there are GFI outlets in the bathrooms but they are only powered when the room light switch is on. PO had just tapped into the vanity lights wires that the main switch operates. Lots of splices not in boxes, and unterminated live wires, etc. I'm also thinking it might just be wise to hire everything done. I commonly work with electricity but not up on all the codes.